State Senate Majority Leader Fred Berry was the most prolific fundraiser among North Shore lawmakers in 2005, raising $104,623.

And while the Peabody Democrat doesn't have an opponent yet, he starts off an election year with an imposing campaign war chest of $164,048, according to documents recently filed with the state Office of Campaign and Political Finance.

Berry was one of a number of area incumbents who spent 2005 fattening their campaign accounts, raising money from Beacon Hill bigwigs and influential North Shore residents and businesspeople.

One of his biggest donors was one of the country's richest men, billionaire communications tycoon Amos B. Hostetter Jr. The founder of Continental Cablevision gave Berry $500. He also got $250 from Salem State College President Nancy Harrington.

House Minority Leader Brad Jones, R-North Reading, raised $53,028 — the largest amount of any area House member. He starts 2006 unopposed and with $64,116, the largest bank account among the region's House delegation.

Jones' campaign report listed donations from some heavy hitters, including Charles Baker, Harvard Pilgrim chief executive and former Weld administration Cabinet member, who donated $300. He also got a $250 donation from Fidelity Investments' political action committee.

Rep. John Keenan, a freshman Salem Democrat, raised money like an old pro. He took in $38,357 in 2005, including donations from Northside Carting owner Robert George ($500), North Shore Community College President Wayne Burton ($125) and Salem State's Harrington ($100).

Several North of Boston lawmakers, though, enter the 2006 election season with lean campaign resources.

Rep. Ted Speliotis, D-Danvers, starts the year with $944 in the bank after raising a paltry $227. Speliotis said he doesn't raise money in nonelection years.

"I'm a firm believer money doesn't matter in local politics," Speliotis said. "People know me and they have an opinion."

Rep. Brad Hill, R-Ipswich, also took the year off from fundraising. He raised just $25 in 2005. After spending $4,301, he was left with $438. Hill said he decided to give his donors a break in 2005 after raising more than $13,500 for his 2004 race.

"We're now in full campaign mode," said Hill, driving to his first fundraiser of 2006, at Ipswich's Majestic Dragon.